Brandon Jacobs Fantasy News

Three Giants beat writers answered a question about RB Rashad Jennings’ injury issues last year, making the Giants more likely to split carries at running back a little more.

JOHN SCHMEELK: Regardless of Jennings’ injury history, the Giants are going to split carries because they have three very talented running backs that all deserve to touch the ball. I expect Jennings to be the bell cow with help from Williams, Vereen to be the third down back, and for Williams to get a lot of goal line and short yardage carries.

DAN SALOMONE: Regardless of any injuries, I think the running backs are all going to see a fair share of carries this season because they all bring something a little different to the table. Jennings is an all-around back, Andre Williams is a bruiser, and newly-signed Shane Vereen is a third-down threat out of the backfield.

LANCE MEDOW: The Giants will likely split carries at running back a little more this season but I think it has more to do with the depth in the backfield than Rashad Jennings’ injury issues in 2014. With Andre Williams coming off a productive rookie campaign and Shane Vereen adding some versatility and veteran experience, those two will take away some carries from Jennings just like Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw spread the wealth in 2008.

Fantasy Impact:

All three writers seem to feel the same way: Jennings should get a bulk of the early down work with Williams a change of pace and short yardage guy, and, Vereen seeing a lot of time on third down. We have Jennings ranked 26th which puts him in the flex/RB3 zone. Vereen is 38th overall but will likely be rated higher in PPR rankings. Both Jennings and Vereen present middle-of-the-draft value, but will come with risks week-to-week depending on matchups.

The focus on a ground game is part of the new wrinkles being introduced by new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo.

"I thought there were some improvements. It was a good start," Manning said.

Fantasy Impact:

Broadcaster Cris Collinsworth raved over Williams on that drive, and he was impressive. However, the broadcast team also said it was against Bills second-teamers. Collinsworth feels that Williams will be a lot more than just a backup to Jennings this season. Williams has been working in goal line situations in camp, but perhaps could be poised for a Brandon Jacobs kind of role, which could put a dent in Jennings potential.

After 9 years in this whirlwind business they call the NFL, I am proud to announce that I am hanging up my cleats. I've had an amazing run and I appreciate all of the support from the fans through the good and the bad. The New York Giants are a great organization and I am proud to have been a part of it for so long. I love my coaches and my teammates and will miss them as well as the game itself but I am healing well from my surgery and I look forward to running around with my kids for years to come!

Fantasy Impact:

Jacobs' swan song was a 22-carry, 106-yard, two-TD performance against the Bears in Week 6.

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) did not practice on Wednesday. Jacobs is just getting a veteran day of rest.

Friday, November 22, 2013, 6:23pm

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee, questionable) took limited practice reps again Friday and is questionable for Week 12. He was questionable last week and played through the tag to vulture a TD from Andre Brown.

Thursday, November 21, 2013, 6:48pm

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) returned to limited practice reps Thursday after missing Wednesday practice. We learned last week that Jacobs is the RB2/goal line back behind Andre Brown. Peyton Hillis is droppable at this point.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013, 6:45pm

Giants RB Brandon Jacobs (knee) did not practice Wednesday. Jacobs is probably just getting a rest day. We learned last week that he's the RB2 behind Andre Brown.